Cannabis Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why has the RMOW chosen to prohibit cannabis retail?

The RMOW has to consider how cannabis retail will impact the resort community. The RMOW has been receiving a high volume of inquiries from prospective retailers, so initially prohibiting this new land use through the zoning bylaw provides the RMOW with time to consider if and how it should be introduced into the community.

If the RMOW decides to permit retail, it will have time to consider the best approach to do this.
 

2. Can I open a medical dispensary in Whistler?

No. Medical dispensaries are illegal in Canada and are prohibited under the RMOW’s zoning bylaw.

If you would like to retail cannabis in Whistler, please email cannabis@whistler.ca. Your inquiry will be kept on file and you will be contacted if the RMOW schedules consultation opportunities for cannabis retail however, the RMOW is not   considering any cannabis retail at this time.
 

3. Can I sell cannabis in Whistler while I wait for a provincial licence?

No. It is illegal to sell cannabis without a provincial licence. Additionally, selling cannabis prior to obtaining a licence may hurt your chances of getting a licence at a later date.

4. I live in Whistler, where can I get legal recreational cannabis?

The Province operates online sales through BC Cannabis Stores. Visit bccannabisstores.com to purchase online. You can also grow your own cannabis (provided you follow provincial, federal, landlord and strata rules) or purchase cannabis from a licensed retailer outside of Whistler.  
 

5. I use medical cannabis and may need to smoke it in public what should I do?

Consult Whistler’s Smoking Regulation Bylaw and provincial regulations to find out where outdoor smoking is permitted.
 

6. I’ll be visiting Whistler and want to use recreational cannabis. What should I do?

Since there are no licensed retailers in Whistler, you should purchase legal recreational cannabis from a licensed retailer outside of the community.

If you plan on smoking cannabis, check Whistler’s Smoking Regulation Bylaw, provincial regulations and your accommodation provider’s policies to find out where cannabis can be smoked.

DO NOT:

• Use cannabis inside a motor vehicle or before operating motor vehicle—this is against the law.
• Use cannabis while participating in recreational activities such as skiing, mountain biking or watersports.
• Use cannabis in a way that could have adverse health effects or jeopardize your safety. Go to the Government of Canada’s cannabis webpage and getcannabisclarity.ca to learn about safe cannabis use.
• Use cannabis in a way that is disrespectful to others (e.g. smoking in front of children or causing others to inhale cannabis smoke). Consult Whistler’s Smoking Regulation Bylaw and provincial regulations to find out where outdoor smoking is permitted.
• Discard cannabis products, butts or cannabis packaging on the ground. This can be harmful to pets and wildlife, and is a wildfire risk.
• Enter or exit Canada with cannabis. This is against the law.
• Use or purchase illegal cannabis. Visit canada.ca/cannabis to learn about how to identify legal cannabis.
   

7. I have a location that I would like to use or rent for cannabis retail. How can I see if this location will permit cannabis retail?

Currently there are no properties in Whistler where retailing cannabis is permitted. The RMOW is unable to suggest, which properties (if any) may be considered for zoning to allow cannabis retail in the future.

Under the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act landlords are prohibited from renting property to an unlicensed cannabis retailer, and doing so may result in prosecution, fines and prison time.

For these reasons prospective retailers and landowners, who make financial commitments or other arrangements in the hopes of establishing a retail location at a later date, do so at their own risk.

Landlords and prospective retailers can email cannabis@whistler.ca to receive future updates on retail opportunities.
 

8. I’m a tenant. Can I grow or smoke recreational cannabis in my home?

RMOW bylaws do not prohibit smoking inside of your own home, however, your tenancy agreement and the Residential Tenancy Act might.

Landlords and strata councils are able to restrict or prohibit non-medical cannabis smoking and vaping and home cultivation at tenanted and strata properties.

The RMOW does not prohibit home cultivation done in compliance with federal and provincial rules. However, you still need to comply with any restrictions in strata bylaws, the Residential Tenancy Act and your tenancy agreement.  

You should contact the Residential Tenancy Branch, your strata council, and your landlord to understand what is permitted.

9. I’m a landlord. Can I restrict or prohibit home cultivation and smoking of recreational cannabis on my property?

Yes. Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch to find out about recreational cannabis on rental property.

The RMOW strongly recommends that landlords, who would like to restrict or prohibit recreational cannabis use and cultivation on their property, enact tenancy rules to that effect.
 

10. Can a strata restrict or prohibit smoking or home cultivation of recreational cannabis?

Yes. Strata corporations can set rules for smoking and growing recreational cannabis through strata bylaws.

The RMOW strongly recommends that strata corporations interested in restricting or prohibiting recreational cannabis use and cultivation consider and enact the necessary strata bylaws in accordance with the Strata Property Act.
 

11. Will the RMOW provide assistance to strata councils and landlords in developing and enforcing tenancy agreements or strata bylaws?​

No. This is not a service that the RMOW is able to provide.

Landlords and strata councils should get legal advice and consult with governing provincial agencies such as the Residential Tenancy Branch to get help with developing and enforcing their own rules.

If RMOW bylaw infractions have occurred, the RMOW may be able to take enforcement action. If you believe that someone is contravening a municipal bylaw, you can contact Bylaw Services at 604-935-8280 or bylawservices@whistler.ca.
 

12. How do I know which rules for recreational cannabis apply to me?

​The Government of Canada, Province of B.C., municipalities, strata corporations and landlords all have the power within their scope of authority to set rules for recreational cannabis.

Private property owners (including hotels and other forms of tourist accommodation) also have the power to set rules for activities occurring on their property.

It is your responsibility to understand which of these rules will apply to you. These regulations may overlap, in which case, the more restrictive rule will apply. For example, RMOW bylaws and provincial smoking laws will allow you to smoke recreational cannabis inside a stratified home, but your strata can still prohibit it and if you are a tenant and so can your landlord.   

Contact

Planning Department
cannabis@whistler.ca